Elastic member clamps

Abstract

The present application generally relates to orthopedic stabilization systems, and in particular, to systems including clamps. The clamps can be used in addition to or to replace hooks that grasp onto bone members, such as the lamina. One example of such a clamp is an in-line clamp that includes a central opening for receiving a rod member, a first opening for receiving a set screw and a second opening for receiving an elastic member therethrough. Another example of such a clamp is an off-set clamp that includes an upper plate, a bottom plate, and an opening for receiving a rod therein. The upper plate can be separated from the bottom plate to make space for an elastic member that can be secured within the plates. Tulip clamps that utilize one or more elastic members are also provided.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A surgical system comprising:
 an elastic member; 
 a clamp for receiving the elastic member therein; and 
 an instrument configured to hold the clamp and tension the elastic member, wherein the instrument comprises a lower member and a detachable upper member, 
 wherein the lower member includes a sleeve configured to extend over a shaft, the lower member further configured to place fingers position on a distal end of the instrument in a closed configuration in a first position and in an open configuration in a second position, 
 wherein the lower member of the instrument comprises a bottom cam lock having a side slot for receiving the elastic member therein, and, 
 wherein the upper member comprises a top cam lock in line with the bottom cam lock for receiving the elastic member therein. 
 
     
     
       2. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the clamp further comprises a first opening and a second opening, wherein a set screw is received in the first opening. 
     
     
       3. The system of  claim 2 , wherein the elastic member is received in the second opening. 
     
     
       4. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the clamp further comprises an inner opening formed by an inner curved wall of the clamp, wherein the inner curved wall includes a groove for receiving the elastic member. 
     
     
       5. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the instrument further comprises a carriage operably attached to the tensioner driver. 
     
     
       6. A surgical system comprising:
 an elastic member; 
 a clamp for receiving the elastic member therein; and 
 an instrument configured to hold the clamp, wherein the instrument comprises an upper member, a lower member, and a sleeve, wherein the upper member comprises a top cam lock having a side slot for receiving the elastic member and the lower member comprises a bottom cam lock having a side slot for receiving the elastic member therein, 
 wherein the lower member has a sleeve release button that allows the sleeve to move along a longitudinal path over a shaft. 
 
     
     
       7. The system of  claim 6 , wherein the clamp further comprises a set screw. 
     
     
       8. The system of  claim 6 , wherein the lower member of the instrument further comprises a clamp holder having fingers for holding the clamp. 
     
     
       9. The system of  claim 6 , wherein the instrument is configured to apply tension to the elongate member while holding the clamp. 
     
     
       10. The system of  claim 9 , wherein the instrument comprises a tensioner driver for applying tension to the elastic member. 
     
     
       11. The system of  claim 10 , wherein the tensioner driver is operably connected to a carriage, wherein the top cam lock extends from the carriage. 
     
     
       12. The system of  claim 6 , wherein the instrument further comprises a hex knob tensioner driver for increasing or decreasing tension on the elastic member. 
     
     
       13. A surgical system comprising:
 an elastic member; 
 a clamp for receiving a rod member and the elastic member; and 
 an instrument configured to hold the clamp, wherein the instrument comprises an upper member and a lower member, wherein the upper member is detachable from the lower member, wherein the lower member comprises a bottom cam lock for receiving the elastic member and the upper member comprises a top cam lock for receiving the elastic member, and 
 wherein the lower member includes a sleeve configured to extend over a shaft, the lower member further configured to place fingers position on a distal end of the instrument in a closed configuration in a first position and in an open configuration in a second position. 
 
     
     
       14. The system of  claim 13 , wherein the elastic member is side-loaded into each of the bottom cam lock and the top cam lock. 
     
     
       15. The system of  claim 14 , wherein the bottom cam lock comprises a release latch. 
     
     
       16. The system of  claim 13 , wherein the instrument further comprises a tensioner driver and a carriage. 
     
     
       17. The system of  claim 16 , wherein the top cam lock extends from the carriage, wherein rotation of the tensioner driver causes the carriage to translate such that tension increases on the elastic member. 
     
     
       18. The system of  claim 17 , wherein the tensioner driver is a hex knob tensioner driver.